Waves of Mercy - A Review

Published - October 2016, Bethany House Publishers
Author - Lynn Austin
Title - Waves of Mercy
Format - paper, ebook
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Anna Nicholson is spending time at the Ottawa Hotel on the shores of Lake Michigan to figure out where she wants her life to go after breaking her engagement. As she searches for answers about her past and her future, she meets a young seminary student who encourages her to ask questions. This young student is a close friend of Geesje de Jonge, one of the early settlers to Holland, Michigan. Geesje has been asked to write her story of leaving the Netherlands and arriving in Michigan. As she begins to write her story, she shares both her heartaches and happiness. Anna's young friend wants to have her meet Geesje simply because Geesje's story may help Anna through her struggles. What neither woman could expect is how closely their lives will become entwined.

I loved this book. Absolutely loved it. This is one of those books that lingered after I finished reading it. I've read a lot of Lynn Austin's books over the years, my favorite being Eve's Daughters. This book reminds me a lot of Eve's Daughters in how rich it was.

For anyone wanting a historical romance, sorry, this one's not for you. There are layers upon layers to both Anna and Geesje's stories. And yes there is some romance, especially as Geesje shares her story. But what I loved about this book was how both women searched for answers. I loved how their journeys were similar in their searches. There was a depth to these characters that has been missing from the books I've enjoyed lately.

I received this book for free as a part of Bethany House's blogging program. I was not required to like the book, only to give my honest opinion of it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, Laura Frantz, Joanne Bischof, historical fiction

Rating - 5 stars